Zenaida “Zeny” Zapata Castillo passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026 surrounded by her husband and two children. Born in San Matias, Pampanga, Philippines on January 20, 1957, Zeny was a passionate cosmetologist who perfected the art of hair and beauty. She started her career in the Philippines at the age of 19 and continued her art of therapeutic styling and beautifying in the U.S. for another 12 years.

Zeny had the kind of zest and love for life that was infectious and captivating. Whether she was dancing, singing, crocheting, gardening, cooking, or crafting, she approached everything with her whole heart regardless of the chronic pain she quietly endured. When not cooking for and spending time with her grandchildren, Zeny could be found having long talks with her closest girlfriends or siblings, watching Filipino cooking videos, and indulging in powerful Celine Dion vocals and 80’s soft rock love ballads. A woman of deep faith and conviction, she attended Queen of Angels Catholic Church and continued living the word of God daily even when physically unable to attend church. 

She leaves behind a world made brighter by her genuine warmth, compassion, vivacity, and humor – a light that will continue to shine in the lives she touched. A steadfast friend to many, Zeny was loved immensely, admired widely, and will be profoundly missed.

Zeny is survived by her loving husband, Joven, and two children Jermaine (Jessica) and Roxanne (Franco), and her four cherished grandchildren Jayden, Dylan, Benicio, and Caleb. She is also survived by her siblings, sister Nelcieta (Jun) Castro, brother Elmer (Soledad) Zapata, brother Ricardo Jr. (Malou) Zapata, brother Abraham (Lita) Zapata, sister Fatima (Nick) Galang, and brother Abner Zapata, as well as siblings-in-law Joseph (Josephine) Castillo, Nilda (Jerry) Devera, Nick Jr. (Christine) Castillo, Jonathan (Marie) Castillo, and Joanne (Jeff) Castro. She was predeceased by her parents, Ricardo Sr. and Pilar Zapata, brother Loreto (Julieta) Zapata, and parents-in-law Nick Sr. and Juanita Castillo. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. 

Public visitation will be held on Thursday April 16 from 4pm – 7pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary located at 123 North A Street, Lompoc, California. The Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Friday April 17 at 12pm at Queen of Angels Catholic Church located at 3495 Rucker Road, Lompoc, CA. As an optional gesture, we invite guests to honor Zeny’s joyful and loving spirit by wearing either white or her favorite color, red.